Animal deaths, especially from anthropogenic causes, are valuable indicators of ecological and conservation problems that span a particular population (Collins 2011). Deer mortalities are no exception to this rule of thumb, as deer-vehicle collisions (DVCs) are a growing problem in the US and reflect the displacement of deer populations. Over 1 million DVCs occur in the US annually and result in the loss of human life, human injury, and considerable financial costs resulting from the vehicle damage (Gunson et. al. 2011). Interventions such as increasing driver awareness have had no considerable impact on DVC rates. For the ninth year in a row, the highest-risk roads in the country are in West Virginia, where drivers face a 1 in 44 chance of
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By labeling which factor(s) is/are most directly correlated with the highest instances of these collisions, preventative measures may be established in such locations and in similar ones. Thus, this project’s conclusions can employ the results from past literature, which will tell us the best preventative measures for DVCs, in order to ultimately see through our goal of making roadways safer by reducing DVCs. For example, one study found that in the year after the installation of deer-warning signs at chosen locations, the number of DVCs reduced in comparison to previous years, proving that deer-warning signs are, in fact, effective at reducing these types of collisions (Found et. al. 2011). However, beyond just normal “word-based” deer-warning signs, research was done which proves that word-based RADS (Roadside Animal Detection System) signs are highly effective in reducing DVCs. A RADS is a flashing sign intended to alert drivers when a large animal is by the road. In addition, redesigning such warning signs to be “picture-based” would have even greater benefits in reducing collisions because the pictures catch a driver’s attention better than words, which may be ignored if they resemble other roadway signs (Grace et. al. 2015). Another study found that reducing the speed limit and clearing vegetation along the roadside were also two very powerful ways to mitigate the number of DVCs (Meisingset et. al. 2014). In all, these mitigation tools, documented and researched under other studies, will help give our own study significance because, after identifying where to put such preventative measures, we will already know what to put there and we can be sure that those measures will make the roadways
By labeling which factor(s) is/are most directly correlated with the highest instances of these collisions, preventative measures may be established in such locations and in similar ones. Thus, this project’s conclusions can employ the results from past literature, which will tell us the best preventative measures for DVCs, in order to ultimately see through our goal of making roadways safer by reducing DVCs. For example, one study found that in the year after the installation of deer-warning signs at chosen locations, the number of DVCs reduced in comparison to previous years, proving that deer-warning signs are, in fact, effective at reducing these types of collisions (Found et. al. 2011). However, beyond just normal “word-based” deer-warning signs, research was done which proves that word-based RADS (Roadside Animal Detection System) signs are highly effective in reducing DVCs. A RADS is a flashing sign intended to alert drivers when a large animal is by the road. In addition, redesigning such warning signs to be “picture-based” would have even greater benefits in reducing collisions because the pictures catch a driver’s attention better than words, which may be ignored if they resemble other roadway signs (Grace et. al. 2015). Another study found that reducing the speed limit and clearing vegetation along the roadside were also two very powerful ways to mitigate the number of DVCs (Meisingset et. al. 2014). In all, these mitigation tools, documented and researched under other studies, will help give our own study significance because, after identifying where to put such preventative measures, we will already know what to put there and we can be sure that those measures will make the roadways